Who Do the Baltimore Ravens Play Next? Playoff Bracket and Matchup Scenarios
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for the next stage of their playoff journey, the excitement surrounding the team is at an all-time high. Coming off a hard-fought victory in the Wild Card round and looking to make another deep run, the Ravens are well-positioned to challenge for the AFC Championship. However, with the landscape of the NFL playoffs constantly evolving, the Ravens’ next opponent remains a subject of great anticipation.
This article delves into the Ravens’ playoff scenarios, exploring who they could face next, analyzing potential matchups, and outlining how their postseason path could unfold in their quest for the Super Bowl.
A Quick Recap: The Ravens’ Path to the Playoffs
The Baltimore Ravens concluded the regular season with a solid 11-6 record, earning them a wildcard spot in the 2024 AFC Playoffs. Despite a few bumps along the way—especially with injuries to key players like Lamar Jackson—the Ravens managed to hold their ground in the competitive AFC North division and secure a playoff berth.
Their postseason journey started with a Wild Card win, where they defeated a tough opponent, and now the team’s sights are firmly set on advancing through the divisional round and ultimately reaching the AFC Championship Game. However, navigating the playoff landscape involves careful planning and understanding of potential matchups. So, who do the Ravens play next?
The AFC Playoff Bracket
As of now, the AFC playoff bracket is as follows:
- Kansas City Chiefs (1st seed)
- Buffalo Bills (2nd seed)
- Cincinnati Bengals (3rd seed)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4th seed)
- Baltimore Ravens (5th seed)
- Los Angeles Chargers (6th seed)
- Miami Dolphins (7th seed)
The Ravens, as the 5th seed, will face the winner of the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs (1st seed) and the Los Angeles Chargers (6th seed) in the Divisional Round. Since the Chiefs are the higher seed and have earned a first-round bye, the Ravens’ next game could be either at home or away, depending on how the playoff matchups shake out in the coming days.
Now, let’s break down the potential scenarios for the Ravens’ next opponent based on the playoff bracket.
Scenario 1: Ravens Play the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have been the AFC’s top team for the past several seasons, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the charge. As the 1st seed, the Chiefs earned a bye in the Wild Card round, meaning they will face the winner of the 5th seed Ravens vs. the 4th seed Jaguars matchup.
The Chiefs are a dominant force, boasting one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. Led by Mahomes, Kansas City’s attack is versatile and explosive, making them a formidable foe for any team in the playoffs. The Ravens, however, have had success against Kansas City in recent years, and a playoff meeting between these two teams would certainly generate a lot of excitement.
If the Ravens were to face the Chiefs, they would have to rely on their defense to contain Mahomes and limit the damage done by players like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. The Ravens’ defense has been solid all season, with key players like Marlon Humphrey and Patrick Queen leading the charge. Baltimore’s defensive line, anchored by Calais Campbell, would need to generate consistent pressure on Mahomes to avoid him having the time to pick apart their secondary.
On offense, the Ravens would need Lamar Jackson to be at his best. Jackson’s ability to run the football as well as make plays through the air would be essential for Baltimore to keep up with Kansas City’s high-powered offense. It would also be vital for the Ravens to establish a strong running game, controlling the clock and preventing Mahomes from getting too many possessions.
The Ravens’ defense and Jackson’s versatility would be key in this matchup, but it’s clear that beating the Chiefs in their stadium is no easy task. If this matchup were to unfold, the Ravens would need to be firing on all cylinders to upset Kansas City.
Scenario 2: Ravens Play the Buffalo Bills
Another potential matchup for the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round would be against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, are a powerful team with a high-powered offense and an aggressive defense. Buffalo finished the season as the 2nd seed in the AFC and secured a first-round bye, allowing them to rest up while awaiting their next opponent.
The Ravens and the Bills have a recent history of close, competitive matchups, and a playoff game between these two teams would undoubtedly be exciting. Buffalo’s offense, led by Allen, is capable of scoring quickly and putting pressure on opponents with big plays. The Bills also have one of the league’s most dynamic receivers in Stefon Diggs, who could be a matchup nightmare for the Ravens’ secondary.
Defensively, Buffalo has an elite unit with players like Micah Hyde and Tremaine Edmunds, but the Ravens would have to exploit Buffalo’s weaknesses. One area where the Bills’ defense has been vulnerable this season is against mobile quarterbacks, and Lamar Jackson certainly fits that description. The Ravens would need to leverage Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs and keep the Bills’ defense on its heels. At the same time, the Ravens would need to stay disciplined and avoid turnovers, as the Bills thrive on creating mistakes and capitalizing on them.
Buffalo has the edge in terms of offensive firepower, but the Ravens’ defense, which excels at creating pressure and forcing turnovers, could make things difficult for Allen. A matchup between these two teams would likely come down to who can impose their style of play—whether it’s Buffalo’s fast-paced offense or the Ravens’ physicality on defense.
Scenario 3: Ravens Play the Cincinnati Bengals
If the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Buffalo Bills, the Ravens could potentially face their AFC North rivals in the Divisional Round. The Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, have emerged as one of the top teams in the AFC in recent seasons. They boast an explosive offense with players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, making them a dangerous threat in any postseason matchup.
The Ravens would face a tough challenge in stopping Burrow and his weapons. Cincinnati has one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL, and Burrow’s ability to distribute the ball to multiple receivers makes him difficult to contain. The Ravens’ secondary, which features players like Marlon Humphrey, will need to be at its best to slow down the Bengals’ passing game.
On offense, the Ravens would need to play their brand of physical football, controlling the clock and utilizing Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability. The Ravens have historically had success against the Bengals, but with Burrow playing at an elite level and the Bengals boasting a high-powered offense, this would be another tough matchup for Baltimore.
The Ravens’ defense would need to step up and create turnovers to give their offense more opportunities, while the offense would need to execute consistently to keep up with the Bengals’ fast-paced attack.
Scenario 4: Ravens Play the Jacksonville Jaguars
If the Jacksonville Jaguars were to pull off an upset over their divisional rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens could face them in the Divisional Round. The Jaguars, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, have shown great promise this season and would be looking to continue their playoff run with a win over a top contender like Baltimore.
The Jaguars have a solid defense, but it is their offense that would likely give the Ravens the most trouble. Lawrence has played at an elite level this season, and Jacksonville’s offensive line has protected him well. However, the Ravens’ defense would be focused on neutralizing Lawrence and forcing him into mistakes. Baltimore’s pass rush, led by T.J. Watt, would look to pressure Lawrence and force him to make erratic throws.
Offensively, the Ravens would need to establish the running game with Lamar Jackson and J.K. Dobbins while also making timely throws in the passing game. The Ravens have been known for their ability to control the clock, and they would look to do the same against Jacksonville to limit the opportunities for Lawrence and his weapons.
Conclusion: Who Do the Ravens Play Next?
As the Baltimore Ravens continue their journey in the 2024 NFL playoffs, they face a number of potential matchups that could determine their fate. Whether they face the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills, the Cincinnati Bengals, or the Jacksonville Jaguars, each opponent presents a unique challenge. The Ravens have the talent and determination to compete with any of these teams, but it will come down to execution and making key plays when it matters most.
The road to the AFC Championship will be tough, but with Lamar Jackson at the helm and a stout defense, the Ravens have the ability to upset any team they face. As the playoff bracket takes shape, Ravens fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their team’s postseason journey.
